10 Things My Mother Taught Me

Today is June 17th.  Do you KNOW what this means!? It means Maria Isabel Montanez was born today roughly 29 years ago (I got you Ma;).  

She may very well be the most inspiring woman in the world, definitely in this world.  If you don't know her, wtf have you been doing with your life?  How have you survived this long?  Look her up and say HAPPY BIRTHDAY ISABEL! Do it. 

Here are 10 things my incredibly beautiful ma taught me in the 26 years I've been alive. 

1. Be Kind  

Kindness invites kindness people.  This is something I have no doubt about.  Probably because my mother drilled it into my brain and she was on point.  Always be kind, you never know someone's full story so don't be a jerk. 

2. Be generous for it shall return ten-fold

My mother is the most generous human being in the entire world and as such she deserves the world in return.  Everyone that knows her knows that she would do absolutely anything for her family and friends. 

3. Family is Everything 

This one took me a minute to get to and I'm sorry for that, Ma.  I am blessed with the most incredible family any girl could ask for and if I could spend every second with them I would.  Family is sooo important.  Call your mums. 

4.  Be Yourself Unapologetically

Being original has always been really important to me and it's because of my ma.  She has never struggled to be herself, never doubted her instinct based on outside opinion or changed herself for others.  She is always true to who she is and I feel so lucky to have a role model such as her. 

5. Be honest

Even if you have to be brutal.   Honesty is so important and I've learned the hard way that it hurts more to be lied to than to be told up front what's goin on.   My mom doesn't f*ck around (sorry ma but you don't!)  she has an unwaveringly honest soul and she'll tell you whats up.  And I love her for this. 

6. Have No Fear

This woman is FEARLESS.  She raised 4 crazy ass kids on her own and didn't flinch.  Not that I saw anyhow.  She can look fear in the eye and say nope not scared of you.   Seeing her live without fear was so inspiring and it truly shaped who I am and who I want to be.  There are so many things I need to thank her for but this strong fearless spirit is a big one. 

7.  It's okay to Lean on others

As independent as we all turned out to be, ma you've taught us the beauty of leaning on each other and when it's okay to ask for help.   People need people and the world is a much lovelier place when we can support and lean upon one another.  Ma, you do this with such grace. 

8.  Trust Yourself

As a woman,  I was always told to trust my intuition and it's a tough thing to conquer.  Having my mom to look up to allowed me to trust that my instincts would lead me down the right path.  Her confidence created a self love and self trust in myself that I am incredibly grateful for.  

9. Don't take no sh*t (also don't use curse words) 

My mom could go up against anyone and anything.  She's a sweet little lady that won't take any of your sh*t.  So don't even try it.   Trust me, a 16 year old Ilia has tried and failed - not worth it.  Thank you ma for teaching me that it's necessary sometimes to back away from someone givin' ya a hard time.   

10.  Life is Worth Celebrating 

The last thing I want to share that I've learned from my ma is that life isn't as hard as we all make it out to be.  Life is a gift every single day and we should treat it as such.  So, smile at the people you pass, pet all those puppies you see and give the people you love hugs as often as possible.  Laugh at the things that are funny and cry at the things that are sad.  Experience life to the fullest and don't ever let someone tell you you're living wrong.   Mum, I love you with the fire of 1000 suns and I will never be able to thank you enough for being my mum.  I love you - FELIZ CUMPLEANOS MAMA.